Today is the Thirteenth of December, the beginning of the Halycon Days, when kingfishers ('halycon' in Greek) nested on the calm waters and all sailors were safe. This period of tranquillity was supposed to last for two weeks.
In 1545, the Council of Trent convened.
In 1903, Italo Marcioni did not patent the ice cream cone. Rather, he patented a machine that made them.
In 1928, the clip-on tie was invented.
Keep an eye on Detroit: it is poised to become the new West Village, the new San Francisco, the new SoHo, the new Pearl District. Historically, low rent has drawn artists to certain areas (like the west village in NY, Soho in London, San Francisco in the '60s, and downtown Portland), and for this reason, I suspect Detroit could be the next big hipster city. Imagine the loft/studio space! The trick is always to beat the developers to the deal, but as I said, artists are frequently the first ones to re-colonize abandoned areas, making them habitable again by sheer force of artistic will. Meanwhile, I'm not so sure that civil war is really over: certain Southern Republican senators seem a little too eager to decimate the North's capacity for industry, not to mention the capacity of slaves -erm, I mean workers-- to stand up to the plantation owners. Erm, I mean "management." Of course. Of course.
Robots. Cool idea, scary reality? Or maybe this is evolution in process, and I'm just a backward-thinking Homo? I'll admit: some robots in some circumstances seem to be helpful. But many robots in many circumstances are not. Humans work; it's what we do, it gives our lives meaning. Robots work too, it's all they do, and they do it better, and without complaining about long hours or no overtime pay or insurance. They will take our jobs, even if some of those jobs are replaced by companies making new robots. This much is bad news for Homo sapiens. If robots make us feel threatened with obsolescence as a species or even as isolated populations, violence will result.
Breaking news: A Catholic Bishop makes sense! Seriously. What better reason to marry, than to establish some stability in your life? "Love" should be an active verb, not a noun used to signify a feeling or emotion, because feelings and emotions change of their own accord. Love actively, love urgently: let "love" be what you do, not just what you feel. And let's be clear: now more than ever before, sex is not Luv, it's just friendly affection. Get over it and have some fun.
Credit, debt, and money. Unless you function on cash alone, and keep your cash under your mattress, all you really have is credit and debt. So we all really play this big Ponzi scheme, in which we pay our debtors with credit, in the hope that we'll be able to keep the credit/debt balance in our favor until we die. Or in other words, we pay off one debtor with credit from another, just like Bernard Madoff did. Just like any other entity that plays in our economy. Madoff's mistake was that he bet on the wrong horse. So why is everyone so bent out of shape over this? Did a bunch of publishers and editors lose money here? Seriously- if you understand this differently than I do, and can explain to me how our economy is not a big Ponzi scheme, I'd love to hear it.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hot times at the North Pole (and we're not talking global warming, for once)
Today is the Twelfth of December. Catholics call it the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, because on this day in 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared for the apparent benefit of Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin.
It's funny- I started blogging because I found that I had to spend all day reading foreign news sources to hear anything substantial about what the Bushcheney administration was really doing. Now, though, they're even on the outs with their old lap-dogs at Fox, so the blackout on news seems to have been lifted. I really enjoyed harping on Bushcheney, too, damnit.
I'm saying this now so that you don't expect to find the same kinds of news here, after the Obama administration takes over: I started blogging to dis on Bushcheney, and to help my friends find some real news. In one sense at least, my job here is done.
In 1792, Ludwig van Beethoven took his first composition lesson from Franz Joseph Haydn.
In 1857, a ship passing St Helena on its way from Liverpool to Bombay saw what appeared to be an enormous sea serpent. The captain and senior officers noted the creature's appearance as 'a huge marine animal, which reared its head out of the water, within twenty yards of the ship...we conclude that it must have been over two hundred feet long. The boatswain and several of the crew who observed it from the top-gallant forecastle, stated that it was more than double the length of the ship, in which case it must have been five hundred feet.'
In 1863, Edvard Munch was born.
In 1939, Finland defeated the Soviet Union in the Battle of Tolvajärvi, in the Winter War.
In 2000, the Bush junta took power in the U.S. when the Supreme Court decided to hear a private citizen's complaint about a matter of Florida election law. The Court decided for Bush in Bush v. Gore, sidelining the populace and the Electoral College, instead of allowing the election to proceed.
Nice, but is it art? Could be. I mean, often when humans perform obscure, indecipherable activities for no apparent reason, other humans call it art.
Our entire economy is a Ponzi scheme. Let's back up a few steps and take a look: Credit is not money. It's a promise of money, nothing more. We borrow credit from one source to give to another- no one has any money anywhere: it's all fluid credit unless you're buying with gold coins. Who is innocent here, anymore?
This is huge. Right now, five countries have claims on the Arctic Ocean: Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the U.S. Until now, this hasn't been a big deal, but when the Northwest Passage opens up (as it will in future ice-free arctic summers), the world of shipping will change forever. Who controls the Arctic Ocean, controls trade between Europe and East Asia, because this trip will shave months (and thousands of dollars in portage fees at the Panama Canal) off a previously very long and expensive trip. Add a sixth player to the game, and the complexity of the problem increases. If this independence move doesn't go smoothly, things could get very hot in the Arctic, very soon.
It's funny- I started blogging because I found that I had to spend all day reading foreign news sources to hear anything substantial about what the Bushcheney administration was really doing. Now, though, they're even on the outs with their old lap-dogs at Fox, so the blackout on news seems to have been lifted. I really enjoyed harping on Bushcheney, too, damnit.
I'm saying this now so that you don't expect to find the same kinds of news here, after the Obama administration takes over: I started blogging to dis on Bushcheney, and to help my friends find some real news. In one sense at least, my job here is done.
In 1792, Ludwig van Beethoven took his first composition lesson from Franz Joseph Haydn.
In 1857, a ship passing St Helena on its way from Liverpool to Bombay saw what appeared to be an enormous sea serpent. The captain and senior officers noted the creature's appearance as 'a huge marine animal, which reared its head out of the water, within twenty yards of the ship...we conclude that it must have been over two hundred feet long. The boatswain and several of the crew who observed it from the top-gallant forecastle, stated that it was more than double the length of the ship, in which case it must have been five hundred feet.'
In 1863, Edvard Munch was born.
In 1939, Finland defeated the Soviet Union in the Battle of Tolvajärvi, in the Winter War.
In 2000, the Bush junta took power in the U.S. when the Supreme Court decided to hear a private citizen's complaint about a matter of Florida election law. The Court decided for Bush in Bush v. Gore, sidelining the populace and the Electoral College, instead of allowing the election to proceed.
Nice, but is it art? Could be. I mean, often when humans perform obscure, indecipherable activities for no apparent reason, other humans call it art.
Our entire economy is a Ponzi scheme. Let's back up a few steps and take a look: Credit is not money. It's a promise of money, nothing more. We borrow credit from one source to give to another- no one has any money anywhere: it's all fluid credit unless you're buying with gold coins. Who is innocent here, anymore?
This is huge. Right now, five countries have claims on the Arctic Ocean: Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the U.S. Until now, this hasn't been a big deal, but when the Northwest Passage opens up (as it will in future ice-free arctic summers), the world of shipping will change forever. Who controls the Arctic Ocean, controls trade between Europe and East Asia, because this trip will shave months (and thousands of dollars in portage fees at the Panama Canal) off a previously very long and expensive trip. Add a sixth player to the game, and the complexity of the problem increases. If this independence move doesn't go smoothly, things could get very hot in the Arctic, very soon.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Water for Elephants
Today is the Eleventh of December. On this day in 1803, Hector Berlioz was born.
In 1882, Fiorello LaGuardia was born.
I've been buried in administrative work around here; it's not very exciting to talk or write about, so I haven't had much to say. When I've had a chance to break from that, I've been doing similarly unremarkable things like pruning the fruit trees, and printing cards. Lots of activity, but not much to talk about.
I did just finish a fantastic book though- Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. I'll just say it takes place mostly in the 1930s in a train circus, but is told as a flashback. The history is fascinating and vibrant, the present is crushing, and the characters spring right off the page. It'll make you gasp with surprise. It made me cry, but in the end I was crying because it ended so well. I'm now trying to steel myself enough that I can force my way through the last Harry Potter book. No, I'm not one of those who think Rowling's a good writer- frankly I think she needs a good editor, haha, but her stories and ideas are fun, even if getting through them can be a chore. Still, she's the one with seven (oops- now eight) published books under her belt, so maybe I'm not the one to be offering criticism.
I've done a good job this year of not opening too many boxes at once. By 'boxes' I mean projects, of course, and so by limiting myself, I've been able to be much more productive and organized. As a result, I'm looking back at the last couple of years and wondering what the hell I was thinking. All I can say is: Just because I forgot what I was doing ten minutes ago, doesn't mean I was finished ;)
It might look like a deficient memory to you, but I assure you, it's all there. It's just not organized conventionally.
In 1882, Fiorello LaGuardia was born.
I've been buried in administrative work around here; it's not very exciting to talk or write about, so I haven't had much to say. When I've had a chance to break from that, I've been doing similarly unremarkable things like pruning the fruit trees, and printing cards. Lots of activity, but not much to talk about.
I did just finish a fantastic book though- Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. I'll just say it takes place mostly in the 1930s in a train circus, but is told as a flashback. The history is fascinating and vibrant, the present is crushing, and the characters spring right off the page. It'll make you gasp with surprise. It made me cry, but in the end I was crying because it ended so well. I'm now trying to steel myself enough that I can force my way through the last Harry Potter book. No, I'm not one of those who think Rowling's a good writer- frankly I think she needs a good editor, haha, but her stories and ideas are fun, even if getting through them can be a chore. Still, she's the one with seven (oops- now eight) published books under her belt, so maybe I'm not the one to be offering criticism.
I've done a good job this year of not opening too many boxes at once. By 'boxes' I mean projects, of course, and so by limiting myself, I've been able to be much more productive and organized. As a result, I'm looking back at the last couple of years and wondering what the hell I was thinking. All I can say is: Just because I forgot what I was doing ten minutes ago, doesn't mean I was finished ;)
It might look like a deficient memory to you, but I assure you, it's all there. It's just not organized conventionally.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Just the facts
It's the Tenth of December. Happy birthday to the metric system! (sort of). Following a scientific conference in 1799, France adopted permanent standards for the meter and the kilogram as based on models made from platinum.
In 1822, César Franck was born.
In 1830, Emily Dickinson was born.
In 1822, César Franck was born.
In 1830, Emily Dickinson was born.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Ol' Brer Goat
Today is the Ninth of December. In Sweden, it's Anna’s Day. Everyone named Anna is celebrated. Don’t forget to start the Lutefisk now for Christmas Eve!
In 1842, Peter Kropotkin was born.
in 1848, Joel Chandler Harris was born.
In 1872, P.B.S. Pinchback becomes Governor of Louisiana, the first African-American Governor of a U.S. state.
In 1905, Dalton Trumbo was born. He wrote one of the best books I've ever read: Johnny Got His Gun. If you haven't read it, I cannot recommend it too highly. Unlike any other book I've ever read.
Party on Earth, pass it on!
In 1842, Peter Kropotkin was born.
in 1848, Joel Chandler Harris was born.
In 1872, P.B.S. Pinchback becomes Governor of Louisiana, the first African-American Governor of a U.S. state.
In 1905, Dalton Trumbo was born. He wrote one of the best books I've ever read: Johnny Got His Gun. If you haven't read it, I cannot recommend it too highly. Unlike any other book I've ever read.
Party on Earth, pass it on!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Goo goo goo joob
Today is the Eighth of December. On this day in 1879, Paul Klee was born.
In 1941, Japan invaded Hong Kong, Malaya, the Philippines and Singapore. The U.S. Congress declared war on Japan.
In 1980, John Lennon was murdered (by a Manchurian Candidate?). Immature elements in our society have altered the Wikipedia entry on John Lennon today (harmless stuff- changing his middle name; attributing "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" to him, etc), so I'm directing you elsewhere.
In 1941, Japan invaded Hong Kong, Malaya, the Philippines and Singapore. The U.S. Congress declared war on Japan.
In 1980, John Lennon was murdered (by a Manchurian Candidate?). Immature elements in our society have altered the Wikipedia entry on John Lennon today (harmless stuff- changing his middle name; attributing "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" to him, etc), so I'm directing you elsewhere.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
We sail tonight for Singapore
Don't fall asleep while we're ashore...
Today is the Seventh of December. On this day in 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States.
In 1917, the U.S. declared war on Austria-Hungary.
In 1928, Noam Chomsky was born. If you only know Chomsky on the basis of his political commentary, you're missing the big story of how he almost single-handedly changed the fields of Linguistics and Psychology in one fell swoop. Not the most stimulating writer ever, but a truly massive figure in terms of philosophy and legacy.
In 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.
In 1942, Harry Chapin was born.
In 1949, Tom Waits was born. Rain Dogs remains my favorite of his work, and one of my favorite recordings, ever. Check it out.
This land war in Asia that we're losing... I still don't know what the hell to make of it. Why is Afghanistan so important? Seems it's been 'important' since Alexander the Great tried (and failed) to take it. The British wanted it too (and couldn't take it). Given time, the Nazis would have tried (Hitler had suspicions about supernatural activity in the Himalayas). Lord knows the Soviets tried to control it, and we all know what happened to them. I know we're not there because of 9/11, because I know that we were staging an invasion of the country in June of 2001, three months before the event (I read about our preparations in the India Times in 2001, but can't find the link anymore -and that's to say nothing of the fact that none of the supposed hijackers were from Afghanistan, and that we were in negotiations with the Taliban government at the time). So, what are we doing there, and why are we so intent on staying? It doesn't appear to have any vitally necessary resources; it doesn't appear to be on any major trade routes; it doesn't appear to be key to any material strategy at all. This situation has the potential to break us, in the same way that it broke the Soviet Union. How difficult is it to imagine a post-United States world? It's bound to happen, some day. I'm sure Konstantin Chernenko didn't forsee the collapse of his country, when he turned the reins over to Gorbachev. This is trouble brewing, folks. Mark my words.
And speaking of brewing, I've been trying to distill my thoughts on marriage rights for a long time now. It's a very complex situation, given everyone's emotional attachments to their particular versions of Marriage, but this Newsweek article handles it well, and beat me to the punch on most of the points I'd have wanted to make. Love and respect, people: all we ask is a little love and respect.
Capitalism is bad for children. I've said it before; I'll say it again, and no, I'm not being sarcastic.
We have a President again. I know that's not news, in and of itself, but it's nice to see someone taking charge. I haven't slept this well in eight years.
What this radio really needs is a fuse...
Today is the Seventh of December. On this day in 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States.
In 1917, the U.S. declared war on Austria-Hungary.
In 1928, Noam Chomsky was born. If you only know Chomsky on the basis of his political commentary, you're missing the big story of how he almost single-handedly changed the fields of Linguistics and Psychology in one fell swoop. Not the most stimulating writer ever, but a truly massive figure in terms of philosophy and legacy.
In 1941, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor.
In 1942, Harry Chapin was born.
In 1949, Tom Waits was born. Rain Dogs remains my favorite of his work, and one of my favorite recordings, ever. Check it out.
This land war in Asia that we're losing... I still don't know what the hell to make of it. Why is Afghanistan so important? Seems it's been 'important' since Alexander the Great tried (and failed) to take it. The British wanted it too (and couldn't take it). Given time, the Nazis would have tried (Hitler had suspicions about supernatural activity in the Himalayas). Lord knows the Soviets tried to control it, and we all know what happened to them. I know we're not there because of 9/11, because I know that we were staging an invasion of the country in June of 2001, three months before the event (I read about our preparations in the India Times in 2001, but can't find the link anymore -and that's to say nothing of the fact that none of the supposed hijackers were from Afghanistan, and that we were in negotiations with the Taliban government at the time). So, what are we doing there, and why are we so intent on staying? It doesn't appear to have any vitally necessary resources; it doesn't appear to be on any major trade routes; it doesn't appear to be key to any material strategy at all. This situation has the potential to break us, in the same way that it broke the Soviet Union. How difficult is it to imagine a post-United States world? It's bound to happen, some day. I'm sure Konstantin Chernenko didn't forsee the collapse of his country, when he turned the reins over to Gorbachev. This is trouble brewing, folks. Mark my words.
And speaking of brewing, I've been trying to distill my thoughts on marriage rights for a long time now. It's a very complex situation, given everyone's emotional attachments to their particular versions of Marriage, but this Newsweek article handles it well, and beat me to the punch on most of the points I'd have wanted to make. Love and respect, people: all we ask is a little love and respect.
Capitalism is bad for children. I've said it before; I'll say it again, and no, I'm not being sarcastic.
We have a President again. I know that's not news, in and of itself, but it's nice to see someone taking charge. I haven't slept this well in eight years.
What this radio really needs is a fuse...
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